Inauguration Travel Guide to D.C.

Jan. 16, 2009

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Old Ebbitt Grill: Ulysses, Grover, Warren and Teddy drank here. Since 1856, presidents and Washingtonians have arrived at the establishment known as D.C.'s first saloon. This weekend, Old Ebbitt is open Friday through Tuesday morning from 7:30 a.m. to 4 a.m. The restaurant is closed for a private event Tuesday during the parade but reopens for dinner that night at 6 p.m. On Sunday night, Old Ebbitt is also the venue for the public Red Goes Blue Inaugural Bash, hosted by Young Lawyers for Obama. Other than that, it's good business as usual. "We're geared up for what we always do best, just expecting lots of people," said managing director David Moran.
Penn Quarter. 675 15th St. NW. (202) 347-4800

The Willard: In a coveted location along the inaugural parade route, the hotel is home to the Willard Room restaurant, the Round Robin Bar, and French bistro Café du Parc. Eight presidents stayed at the Willard the night before taking the oath of office. To seal its place in history, bartender and "recreational historian" Jim Hewes has concoted a presidential cocktail menu, from the non-alcoholic Coca Cola with a slice of lemon for George W. Bush to the Orange Blossum for Rutherford B. Hayes. ("Washington's pressmen spiked the oranges with gin at the 'teetotalling' Hayes inaugural in 1877," the menu reads.) There's a simple Budweiser for Gerald Ford ("Gerry has always been a man of and for the people.") and the new Obama Shake: Fresh fresh fruit mixed with flavored vodka, raspberry liquor and cream, descibed as "smooth and steady, served tall and cool."
Penn Quarter. 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, (202) 628-9100

Inauguration Weekend Halftime: Places to Watch the Playoffs

Rhino Bar and Pumphouse:
If the lure of the past can't pull you away from the present, you've got games to watch. If your heart lies with the NFC, Eagles fans unite at Rhino Bar in Georgetown where Barack-O-Bombs have been added to the menu in the spirit of inauguration.
Georgetown. 3295 M Street NW (202) 333-3150.

Pour House:
If you're cheering on the Steelers Sunday as they battle the Ravens for the AFC championship, best to head to the Pour House on Capitol Hill. (Local Steelers fans will tell you if you want to cheer on the Ravens, feel free to head north to Baltimore.) The Pour House has pierogies on the menu, Pittsburgh paraphernelia on the walls and enough TVs to let you watch the game from every angle. (If you're cheering on the president-elect a day or two later, the Pour House will be opening at 8 a.m. Monday and Tuesday for breakfast to accommodate inaugural crowds.)
Capitol Hill. 319 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, (202) 546-1001

D.C. Celebrities v. Hollywood Celebrities: Where to Spot Them Both

Café Milano: There are Washington celebrities, like politicians and diplomats, and then there are celebrity celebrities like actresses and rock stars. You might spot both kinds of A-listers at Georgetown's Café Milano, where dinner is available until midnight. Drinks and light fare continue until 2:30 a.m. this weekend and 2 a.m. Monday and Tuesday.
Georgetown. 3251 Prospect Street, NW (202) 333-6183